Flicker (Phoenix in Flames Book 6) Read online

Oak was on the other couch looking just as worn out. While he knew they would be achy when they woke, he’d given it his best attempt. Since he was tired too, he decided to leave them to rest as best they could. With one more look at them, he shook his head and hurried to his room. A hot shower relaxed him even more and as he dried, he wished his mate was waiting for him in his bed.

  Putting on a pair of sleep shorts, he got into bed and nestled into his pillow. He was a sleep before he had time to think about anything.

  Chapter 5

  Hattie’s

  Things were heating up between her and Flicker. Over the past four days, they had finally worked up to a kiss. It might sounds like things were going slow because they were. They were hardly ever alone with the brothers hanging around all the time. She loved the young males and didn’t mind. Moving slowly was what she preferred.

  It wasn’t like she’d ever had relationship with a male before. Not a sexual one much less one that was also emotional. This relationship seemed to promise many things, but she was afraid it would let her down. Life had let her down many times. She’d learned it was best not to expect too much. Disappointment was around every corner.

  There was a knock on the door and she hurried to open it. Oak and Elm rushed inside. “What are we eating today?” Oak asked.

  “It’s Italian day. We’re having lasagna, spaghetti with meatballs, and fettucine Alfredo.” She listed.

  “We’ve had spaghetti before.” Elm admitted.

  “Probably not like this. Norman, my cook, makes the best spaghetti.” She praised.

  “Where’s Flicker?’ They asked together as they looked around.

  “He’s with the captain.”

  “He left you here alone?” Oak asked.

  “We’re on a ship with only our crew. Also the door is set up to let him know when we have visitors and who walks in the door. Cool, huh?” She asked.

  “I suppose.” Elm said.

  “Pick a movie, guys.” She directed as she got plates and began to take the lids off the food.

  Soon they were eating and watching one of the old racing movies. The car speeds were nothing compared to what a ship could do, but it was more personal and the driver was right there, fighting for speed and control. Some of them lost control and their cars turned into a fiery wreck. The next movie was a fighting movie. Now she was beginning to wonder where Flicker was. What could he be discussing with the captain when she was the one in charge of this missions?

  He finally arrived halfway through the movie. Flicker didn’t seem to be hiding anything, but trust was a hard thing for her to apply to people she didn’t know well. “Nice of you to make it.”

  “I didn’t know I was expected earlier.” He sat next to her on the couch so they were touching.

  “We watch movies and eat every day at this time.” She pointed out.

  “I was trying to develop a relationship with our captain. You’re aware, I’m sure, that if this mission is successful. Razar hopes we will do others.”

  “We suspected as much.” She admitted after sharing a look with Elm and Oak.

  “When you work closely with a team, you need to know them. How else will you know what they are capable of? That’s what I’m trying to do.” He admitted.

  “We did suspect Razar would want to have a crew that recovered information since his other crews have had little luck.” She agreed.

  “So you see my point?” He asked.

  “I do. Now let’s finish this movie and after you get a plateful of food.”

  He did as she suggested then sat down with a full plate next to her on the couch. Italian food must be his weakness. They sat together trying to enjoy their time together because Hattie’s was getting closer by the day.

  Two more days, she calculated as she and Oak and Elm sat in the room they’d turned into the planning room. She sat on her computer watching what was going on at Hattie’s. They had eyes inside now that she’d hacked their security system and watched the feed that they had even in the rooms client were pleasured in.

  Her mom was there, not a working girl, thank God. She was housekeeping and head cook with only children helping her. Children that might have been turned into pleasure workers someday if they weren’t raiding the place. Dr. Amerson had been nowhere to be seen which was no surprise. This was a small business he owned and rarely if ever visited.

  Some of the clients, however, were people of interest in the rogue forces set against Razar. If any of those rogues were there when they raided the place, they would be captured. The more she saw the more she felt they would get out of the raid. She’d already gotten information she’d sent to Razar immediately listing rogue leaders and places where they congregated. Their numbers were bigger than Razar had guessed.

  She was sure he would be unhappy to find that out. But pleased that he was finally getting information he’d not been able to get before. As she swept through the different rooms with cameras, she made note of things she wanted to claim.

  There was one room that was locked and largely ignored by everyone. It gave her, Elm, and Oak something to speculate about as they drew nearer their goal. Now that she had an idea of the large amount of valuables kept on the site, she selected two of the crew to go onboard after they captured all those there that might be dangerous.

  It made her feel bad that she’d avoided Flicker and now they would be arriving in the morning, early. She would make it up on the way back. Okay, she’d have her mother then so probably not. She snuggled into her sheets unable to sleep when she heard her door open. Getting up on her elbows and peering at the door, she saw Flicker had come visiting.

  “We will be risking our lives tomorrow.” He declared. She acknowledged it was true. “I want some pleasure tonight in case one of us doesn’t make it.”

  “That’s as good an excuse as any.” She admitted.

  He began to strip at the foot of her bed. Her eyes watched every move as inch after inch of skin was revealed. She whimpered when he pulled down his pants and his cock popped up and waved. “Wow!”

  “I’m going to show you wow.” Flicker grinned at her as he stalked to the side of the bed and slid on it. He moved on top of her so fast she barely had time to react.

  “Something to wow over would be good. It would relax us both.” That didn’t sound the way she wanted it to. She wanted to encourage him because she was tired of waiting to see how being made love to by him would feel.

  “You may relax later, but right now excitement is all you’re going to feel.” His lips dropped to hers and he ate them up.

  It wasn’t a gentle kiss and that was alright. He was filled with hunger and the frustration of putting off getting physical as they had wanted to for weeks now. Would anything permanent come of this? She had no idea although she dreamed of a mate and a family someday. Even though she was one of those rare humans not affected by the plague that had hit many Earth females, it had not helped her or her mother.

  Had her mother had a son, her father might have stayed, but Earth males as a rule had little loyalty and weren’t worth a cent. She would judge Phoenix and Mazlans when she knew more about them. Even though she’d heard good things about both groups of males, she distrusted the opinions of others.

  “Oh my God.” She declared as Flicker sucked on her nipple pulling her thoughts back to him. His finger moved between her legs and sank in to her hot, wet channel. Her body arched toward him as a groan slipped from her mouth.

  “Goddess, I want you so much.” He whispered against her breast, but she heard him clearly.

  “Take me, then. I’m ready for you.” Surely he could feel her need.

  “We’ll do this fast then once we’ve taken the edge off our need, we’ll go slowly.” He promised.

  Her legs spread to welcome him as he shifted his position so his cock would end up at the entrance to her channel. Her body jerked, the spot sensitive to his touch. When he began to sink inside her, she arched to accept his full length. So long and
wide, she felt pinched for a moment before she adjusted to him.

  Flicker paused, looking to her uncertainly. “Fuck me!” Her voice was a growl that finally got him moving. “Yes!” she exclaimed.

  The sound of their bodies slapping together echoed throughout the room. Groan mixed in as well as the rubbing sound of the mattress sliding on its platform. She was thankful no one else was in the suite with them. Her legs wrapped around his hips and her feet hooked behind him. Now she just held on for the ride unable to keep up with his speed.

  The ache grew inside her as she closed in on her orgasm. Never had she felt so much with a man. She could feel him closing in on his climax as well and she squeezed her muscles hard hoping to urge him to it. The need washed over her and she wanted to feel her body explode in pleasure. “Now, Flicker.”

  Saying the words pushed her over and she danced beneath him as her release made her body jerk and shudder. Flicker could hold back no more and he followed her into the beautiful joy. Once his body began to calm, he rolled off her and hugged her to him. They fell asleep, but they woke several times to enjoy mad lovemaking.

  It was time. Her alarm hadn’t gone off yet, but a feeling of urgency rolled over her. Jumping up, she shut off her alarm and went to take a quick shower. Once that was done, she dressed in a dark outfit much like the one she’d worn as a mercenary. It felt comfortable, it had protective items built in, and she could hide in the shadows easily;

  Ready to go, she headed in her planning room and fired up the computer. She started in one room and moved around until she gasped. In the kitchen, tied up and obviously injured, was her mother. Dr. Amerson sat across from her eating a hearty breakfast. “I’d let you clean up and see to your wounds if you would tell me the truth. Who was the woman Pete sold me?”

  “I was no longer there. How could I possibly know?” She asked.

  “That’s true, but he told the captain that she was related to you.” Amerson insisted.

  ”He lied. I no longer had any relatives living.” She admitted.

  “I just don’t believe you and that’s too bad for you. Think it through for a little while and give me a different answer. Trust me, if you don’t, your death will be neither fast nor painless.” He promised.

  She was frozen for a second as she stared at her mother who was in terrible pain. When she broke free, she got into action. “Elm and Oak?” She was on her com.

  “Yes, Teresa?” Oak asked.

  “I need to get to Hattie’s as fast as possible. There’s a target there who may not stay long. One of you needs to get with the Captain, the other needs to get everyone together. As we discussed, I’ll go in alone first then you’ll join me.”

  “Okay, we’re on it.”

  She went to the table where all her gear was laid out. Her guns, knives, throwing stars, com, and lists were all loaded and she put on a utility belt that had other items like restraints. Once she double checked all the items, she decided to wait for her boys to gather everyone. This was where they would be sent from. It was only seconds before Oak arrived. He was followed by Flicker, Elm, and the two crew members she didn’t know.

  “When can I be delivered?” She asked.

  “They are ready as soon as you tell them you want to go. I told them you wanted in the utility room and that’s where they are set to send you. Is that still correct?” Elm asked.

  “Yes, and I need to go right now.” She directed. In seconds she was in the room and it was empty.

  Moving to the door, she thought about the layout of Hattie’s. Usually there were only guards at the doorway, but with Amerson in residence, extra guards were about. She moved to one of the guest rooms where a guard slept. She hit him with the stun setting on her gun, restrained him and pushed a button on the restraints. He was whisked away. Now she moved to the next room and got the other guard that was on reserve.

  She worked her way through several rooms removing those who were enslaved and getting some of the clients removed as well. Now with the back of the house cleared, she worked her way up to the guard that was at the end of the hall looking into the kitchen. He’d not even noticed her and she was close enough to touch him.

  Slapping a monitor on him that was turned on, she stunned him just as he was whisked away. Hopefully they would realize this one wasn’t restrained. Peering into the kitchen from the shadows, she saw Amerson was no longer in there. He was probably in the office talking to his manager. The other guard was sitting in there with his back to her.

  Taking her chance, she tagged him and stunned him as he disappeared. Moving to her mother, she cut her loose, handed her a tag, and pressed it. She was gone in a flash. As far as she knew, only Amerson and the female that managed this place was left. Pulling out her com, she summoned Flicker. Once he arrived, Oak and Elm would follow in ten minutes. The two crew members selected to assist them would follow after another ten minutes.

  Flicker arrived and she signaled two people in the office. They moved toward the door together. She could see Amerson’s back and he held the female’s complete attention. A fire wouldn’t divert it so they moved closer. Flicker stunned Amerson and she moved in on the manager.

  “Who are you?” The female asked.

  “We are here with a warship sent by Razar. Step forward to be taken into custody while we determine who you are and what your role here is.” She replied.

  The woman looked terrified. She stepped forward and allowed herself to be restrained. The brothers arrived just as Amerson and the female disappeared. Now they would get down to the work of acquiring things of value. They began stripping anything technical and the taking all the funds from the vault that had been opened by Amerson. It was lucky that he’d been about to clear out the items inside.

  As they went around the house, they opened the door that seemed off limits and found an armory. They quickly emptied it and it was flashed back to the ship. She couldn’t explain why, but she decided to check the basement. It had been wise to go down there with her gun out. Two guards greeted her and she stunned them before they drew their guns.

  The room downstairs was filled with slaves. Males and females, restrained and some in torturous devices that seemed to be for punishment. Sick bastard, he was going to pay for all he’d done. After taking video, she called down the brothers who helped her free them all and they were flashed up in one group.

  “I would like some time with that man alone.” Oak admitted.

  “Don’t worry. Razar is against slavery and I believe he will punish him appropriately.” She pointed out.

  “I know you’re right. What do we do now?” Elm asked.

  She grinned. “See that wine cellar? There is some of the best alcohol available in there not just wine. It all goes to the ship.”

  “You really lucked out.” Oak observed.

  “Not just me. The crew will get a bonus of what’s left after those kept here get something to start their new lives. That there is so much just makes it better for everyone.” She declared.

  It was several hours later that they got the last items loaded. She’d scanned the house station the place had been built on and was certain they’d cleared it out. They began to interview the victims first and she waited until Flicker, Oak, and Elm were all tied up doing interviews before she went to see her mom.

  Buzzing at the door, she was almost surprised by how quickly the door was opened. Looking into her mom’s face, it was clear the ship’s medic had taken good care of her. The swelling and bruising were almost gone and she looked good.

  “Mom?”

  “Dear God, my baby. I thought it was you, but then I thought I was imagining what I wanted to see.” She pulled her in for a long hug. “How did you find me?”

  Telling her mom the whole story was a relief. “So now I have a place on Oison for you to live. You’ll never have to worry about anything again. It’s a farm and you can raise food and animals. You’ll be able to sell the extra for spending money.”

  “What ab
out you, Baby? What will you do?”

  “I’ll be working on this ship for Razar. The people behind what happened to us are going down. It will also help me make money for us. It’ll assure our ability to continue to care for ourselves.”

  “I’ll worry about you. Isn’t this dangerous?”

  “You know I can’t say it isn’t. But I’m good at this and this is a good crew.” She admitted.

  “Oh, sweetie. I don’t want to upset you and I know you’ll do it anyway, just promise to take breaks in between so we can have time together and you can find someone to share your life with.” Her mom insisted.

  “I’m seeing someone. He’s a Phoenix.”

  “Don’t they live near Oison?”

  “They do.” She began to tell her mom the little she knew about the Phoenix while they waited for supper to be delivered. It came and they began to eat when her mom broke down and cried. “If you don’t like this meal, I’ll order something else for you.”

  “That’s not it. This is the best meal I’ve had in years, but it’s even better because you’re here with me.” Her mom said.

  Yeah, she felt the same way. She’d missed her mother so much and now she was finally back in her life. There was a knock at the door. Her mom and she exchanged surprised looks. Going to open the door, she was surprised when the brothers and Flicker stood there.

  “How did you guys know I was here?”

  “Are you kidding? You just found your mom.” Oak said.

  “Hi Mom!” The two brothers said in unison.

  “What’s your mother’s name?” Flicker asked.

  “Sandy.” Her mother answered.

  “Hello Sandy. I’m pleased to meet you.” Flicker said.

  “So why did you guys come here?” She asked.

  “We finished the interviews with everyone but the bad guys.” Elm explained.

  ”Yeah, we thought we would watch movies together now.” Oak said.

  “You guys aren’t tired? We had a long day filled with hard work.” She pointed out.

  “That’s why we thought we’d do something fun.” Elm explained.